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Honda Cars Philippines, Incorporated’s (HCPI) latest small hatchback has much to like in a good looking and compact package. As the entry-level offering from Honda, it features small exterior proportions, but with a deceptively large cabin. With multiple trim options, including the stylish RS Blacktop variant, the hatchback can appeal to a wide audience looking for a fuel-efficient car that’s reliable and easy to maneuver.
The Honda Brio was officially launched in the Philippines on April 2019. After a hiatus away from the market, the nameplate made a strong comeback. The introduction brought interest back into the segment thanks to the sharp looks captivated onlookers and prospective buyers.
At launch, the Brio was priced at P585,000 for the S MT, P646,000 for the V CVT, P727,000 for the RS CVT, and P732,000 for the RS Black Top CVT. Honda sold the Brio at this special introductory price, which was increased a few months post-launch. The Brio still starts at P598,000 for the S MT trim, however.
Honda is using the G-CON body in the newest Brio, which ensures safety and performance. The small hatchback gets a slightly longer wheelbase which allows for more stability and space. Like its subcompact brothers, the Brio has MacPherson struts in the front and complemented by a torsion beam in the rear.
The engine in question here is part of Honda’s L-series of engines. This is the same engine family that the Honda Jazz, City, and Civic RS take their motors from. The engine that can be found in the Brio is an L12 1.2L SOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 89 hp and 110 Nm of torque. The engine sends the power through either a five-speed manual or an Earth Dreams CVT to the front wheels of the car.
Chassis | |
---|---|
Class | Supermini (B Segment), City Car |
Body Style | 5-Door Hatchback |
Platform | |
Layout | Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive |
Platform | Honda B-Segment Platform |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.2-Liter L12B i-VTEC I4 Gasoline Engine |
Power Output | 89 hp 110 Nm torque |
Transmission | 5-Speed Manual Continuously Variable Transmission |
Honda is known for making vehicles with sharp handling that runs on a front-wheel-drivetrain. The Brio is a standout in this regard thanks to the small wheelbase and lightweight chassis. Thanks to the 1.2L i-VTEC engine paired with either a five-speed manual or Earth Dreams CVT, the Brio can achieve respectable fuel economy figures while being a respectable performer in the city and the highway.
In the interest of technology, the Brio features a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system that can be had with either four or six speakers. The 1.2 S MT variant comes with a basic unit, however. From the 1.2 V variant onwards, the small hatchback features speed-sensing door locks as well as a set of power-folding side mirrors in the RS variant.
The Mobilio RS is the Brio’s closest counterpart in terms of looks. When the MPV was launched, it was only a matter of time before Honda let out the updated Brio with an exterior that would grab attention just like its sibling did back when it was launched.
The front is equipped with halogen reflector headlamps and fog lamps depending on the trim level. The exciting H grille is proudly on display with the Honda emblem flanked by two wings. If you opt for the RS Design trim level, you trade the 14-inch steel or alloy wheels for two-tone 15-inch units that give the Brio some sporting appeal. Instead of chrome, you get piano gloss black in the grille along with the RS Design emblem to go along with it. At the back, you get a rear spoiler along with a rear diffuser for the rear bumper. This trim level gets you the most stylish Brio you can buy, but the interior wasn’t left out of the equation.
This hatchback is available in range of neutral and colorful tones, 5 in total. Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Carnival Yellow, Phoenix Orange Pearl, and Rallye Red populate the selection, with Phoenix Orange Pearl being an RS exclusive color. All RS models in orange, yellow, and white come with a Black Top option that colors the roof of the hatchback a glossy black to add contrast to the bright colors. The non-RS exclusive color is the Rallye Red, which is available for only the S MT and the V CVT variants.
Stepping inside the Brio is easy enough, thanks to the rather large doors and the ample seating space. Inside, it shares the same interior as the Mobilio and BR-V, which also take inspiration from the Jazz, City, and Civic. RS variants will enjoy orange accents and an RS badge in the gauge cluster. Special seats will also be included in the RS Design package. These seats have orange accents with an adjustable headrest, a feature that can’t be found in non-RS variants. For V variants and up, you get a seven-inch infotainment system with steering wheel media controls. The Brio comes standard with four speakers for all trims except for the RS, which has a six-speaker setup.
Rear passenger space is not a compromise here, as it is comparable to the subcompact offerings of Honda. It serves its purpose and has enough head and legroom to fit a fully grown adult, with the only caveat being horizontal space. Fitting a party of three in the back may be a challenge.
Cargo space is ample for its class. Loading items into the back of the Brio is as easy as any other hatchback. Space here is at a bit of a premium, but Honda has given owners the option to fold the rear bench in order to access more space for bigger or longer items.
The Honda Brio ticks all the right boxes in terms of relevant features. Honda has made it a point to add features that cover the essentials, plus a bit more. The car also features relatively impressive handling for its size and weight, and even after a spirited drive, the car returns to its frugality thanks to its notable fuel efficiency.
If you were to get this model; however, you should note that the orange accents in the interior do not change with the body color of the car. It may look off when paired with the Carnival Yellow color. An improvement that could possibly be made to this small hatch is the brakes. In our testing, the brakes felt a bit vague, though it’s no dealbreaker.
View our pricelist table and select a variant to view further specifications.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
1. All amounts quoted are in Philippine Peso.
2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by Security Bank.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
6. Security Bank Corporation is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (+632 708-7087 | consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph).
Key specifications & features of the Honda Brio. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type |
Hatchback |
No. of seats | 5 |
Fuel Type |
Gasoline |
Transmission |
Manual CVT |
Max Output (HP) | 89 HP @ 6,000 rpm |
Drivetrain |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Wheel Size |
14 in - 15 in |
Airbags |
2 |
ISOFIX |
Available |
Front Parking Sensors |
Not Available |
Rear Parking Sensors |
Not Available |
Connectivity |
Bluetooth and USB
|
Warranty |
3 Years (100,000 km) |
The Honda Brio comes in the following colors: Phoenix Orange Pearl, Carnival Yellow, Modern Steel Metallic, Rallye Red and Taffeta White
Variant | Available Colors |
---|---|
Honda Brio 1.2 S MT | |
Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT | |
Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT | |
Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT |
Thanks to the Honda G-CON Body, the driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), security alarm, and immobilizer, buyers of this small hatchback can rest easy knowing that there are safeties in place just in case things go awry. Everything except for the security alarm can be found in even the base 1.2 S MT variant.
The current Honda Brio doesn't have any ASEAN NCAP rating yet. However, its pre-facelift model that was tested in 2016 got 4 stars in adult occupancy protection, while raking only 2 stars for child occupancy protection.
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Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Yes, there's a manual variant of the Honda Brio called S MT which stands as the entry-level offering for the small hatchback.
The current Honda Brio in the Philippines has a 137mm ground clearance.
Yes, the Philippine-spec Honda Brio units have dual front airbags.
The Honda Brio is relatively fuel-efficient. It got 8.7 km/L when driven within heavy city traffic while highway drives at around 90 km/h returned 20.3 km/L.
Yes, the Honda Brio's automatic variants are equipped with Honda Earth Dreams Continuously Variable Transmission.
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